CBS Takes Measured Gamble By Changing 'Rules' by David Goetzl

CBS hasn't been shy about rolling the prime-time dice in recent years. The gambles have been more with scheduling and less with programming innovation -- procedural dramas remain a staple -- but they've been bold nonetheless. This fall, it's at it again with an effort to revivify original scripted programming on Saturdays. The network is offering new episodes of relationship comedy "Rules of Engagement" at 8 p.m. on a night that has been an afterthought for networks. ...Read the whole story

  • electronics Mitsubishi Hopes To Heat Up Market For Ductless AC by Karl Greenberg

    Joe Mastroianni, chief marketing officer at Mitsubishi Electric's heating, ventilation and air conditioning division, tells Marketing Daily the opportunity for Mitsubishi ductless systems in the U.S. is both for new houses and older central systems that cost a fortune and aren't doing the trick. ...Read the whole story

  • upfront ABC Upfront Registers 9% CPM Gains by Wayne Friedman

    ABC and CW have been active in making some media agency upfront deals -- following Fox's move, now nearly completing its TV upfront market sales process. ABC, running on the heels of broadcast leader Fox, has been making media agreements with CPM increases in the 9% to 10% range. ...Read the whole story

  • Tribune Names Larsen New Broadcast Boss by Erik Sass

    With most of its top executives replaced over the last year, Tribune Co. has filled one of the last remaining spots: Nils Larsen has been appointed CEO of Tribune's broadcast division. Larsen will also continue in his previous role as Tribune's chief investment officer. ...Read the whole story

  • Hoffman To EVP, Cox Media by David Goetzl

    Cox Media Group has named Bill Hoffman its new executive vice president, overseeing specific radio, TV and newspaper operations. Tim McVay succeeds him a ...Read the whole story

  • Bamboom To Test Digital TV Distribution by Wayne Friedman

    Bamboom is currently looking for New York-area TV viewers to participate in a beta test that would be delivery-free over the air channels to viewers, via various digital devices. ...Read the whole story

  • 3D Movies Sales Slide, 3D TV Grows by Wayne Friedman

    Entertainment executives may be seeing a softening of interest in 3D movies, but one survey says 3D television sets continue to show rapid growth, though there are obstacles, such as insufficient content. ...Read the whole story

  • NBC To Air 'The Voice' Post-Super Bowl by David Goetzl

    NBC is so committed to the success of "The Voice," it announced it would get the plum spot after the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 with a one-hour episode. ...Read the whole story

ACRM? by Bob DeSena

I recently received a customer service call from a local retailer advising me that my order was available for pick-up. It was an automated call. After a few mandatory responses from me ("press 1 now"), the robot -like voice signed off with "thank you for being a valued customer." As I hung up the phone I thought, did that experience make me feel better about my relationship with the store, or did the very nature of it have a different and unintended effect? (Note: it had a different and unintended effect.) ...More